Bright Path One

Keeping Our Men, Women, and Children, out the WOODS.

Critical Service Needs

Case Management
For both those men, women, children, and elderly persons experiencing homelessness for the first time, as well as those who have been living in the streets or shelters for many years, intensive case management services are an integral part of the transition into permanent housing. Along with this is a requirement to establish other much needed services such as health care and behavioral health services. Good case management allows for continuity of care, coordination of services, and follow-through, while maintaining the dignity of each individual and addressing his/her unique needs.
Once in a stable housing situation, previously homeless persons may benefit from on-going case management services. The on-going involvement of social workers or case managers may help to ensure that the homeless maintains his or her independence in the community for as long as possible. The case manager may coordinate supportive services such as in-home care, meal deliveries, transportation to medical appointments, medication monitoring, and visitors, which help to improve the quality of life for these persons. The case manager and support network may also monitor potentially dangerous situations such as risks for eviction (e.g. for non-payment of rent) or self-neglect.

INTRODUCTION

The faces of homelessness we see or hear about do not usually include images or stories of the  homeless. Homeless families, although increasing in numbers, continue to be a forgotten population. In an attempt to bring to the forefront the very real and growing existence of  homelessness, this website discusses the special health care and service needs of growing homelessness  and the barriers that is encountered when trying to access services. It also presents service-delivery models from communities that are addressing the multiple health care and social service needs of this frail and vulnerable population.

In addition to the elderly who are facing homelessness for the first time or are at risk of becoming homeless, there are also chronically homeless adults who are aging on the streets and are often multiply diagnosed, i.e. suffer from a range of complex health, mental health, and substance abuse issues. Both face unique health care and service needs that require a multidisciplinary-team approach with minimal barriers in order to achieve optimum health and housing stability.

With the help of generous contributions from donors like you, we can build new  and support existing ones. Our funding does not stem from government grants. Donations from individuals, businesses, and private foundations provide the financial support needed to operate  and provide care for the children as well as adults. In addition to sustaining life, donations help buy clothes, food, and shelter, train caregivers, pay for supplies, provide elementary education, and more. Your gift or donation to "Bight Path One" will bring you the joy of knowing you are helping save lives.